World History / Unit 3: Classical India and China and the Spread of World Religions
3.5 The Qin and Han Dynasties
Notes
China was united under the Qin, then strengthened under the long-lasting Han.
- Qin dynasty (221 to 206 BCE): Qin Shi Huangdi, the "First Emperor," unified China. He standardized writing, coins, weights and measures and built roads.
- He used Legalism, burned many books and punished scholars. He linked walls into an early Great Wall against northern nomads. His tomb held the Terracotta Army.
- Harsh rule led to revolt, and the Qin fell soon after his death.
- Han dynasty (206 BCE to 220 CE): made Confucianism the basis of government. Officials were chosen partly through civil service exams testing knowledge of Confucian texts.
- Han inventions: paper (about 105 CE), improved iron tools and the wheelbarrow.
- Emperor Wu (Wudi) expanded the empire, and the Han opened trade routes later called the Silk Roads.
Practice
Which action by Qin Shi Huangdi helped unify China?
Common standards made trade and government easier across the empire.
How did the Han dynasty choose many government officials?
Exams aimed to select educated, capable officials.
Why did the Qin dynasty last only about 15 years?
Heavy labor demands and harsh punishments sparked revolts.
Ready for more? Take the Unit 3 test.